Correlation between food intake change patterns and body weight loss in middle-aged women in Japan

The patterns of food intake change which are effective for weight loss have not been clearly researched yet. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between food intake change patterns and body weight loss. One hundred and two overweight women completed a 2-day dietary record before and after a 12-week weight-reduction program, and 28 food groups were classified. Patterns of food intake change were derived by cluster analysis, and compared with the changes of physical measurements and nutrition intake. As a result, decreasing Japanese foods pattern (DJP), increasing healthy foods pattern (IHP) and changing staple foods pattern (CSP) were classified. DJP and CSP mainly changed staple food intake. IHP decreased sugars, oils, beans except soybeans and meat intake, and increased fruits and seafood intake. DJP decreased fat and carbohydrate intake most but CSP showed least change. IHP also decreased fat and carbohydrate intake but maintained protein intake. Although no significant differences were seen in the change of energy intake between IHP and DJP or CSP, subjects of IHP showed the largest reduction in mean body weight, BMI, %body fat, waist circumference and serum triacylglycerol after adjusting for age and baseline values. Body weight, BMI and %body fat maintained their significance further adjusting for changes in energy intake and the number of walking steps. Food intake change patterns affected the magnitude of body weight loss independent of energy intake. In addition to energy intake, assessment of food intake change patterns could be useful for effective weight loss.: